Petraeus Returns to War That Is Now His Own (p. AO1, WPost)

[rodeodance]

Source: WPost




http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/12/AR2007091202679.html?hpid=topnews

Petraeus Returns to War That Is Now His Own

By Peter Baker and Thomas E. Ricks
Washington Post Staff Writers
Thursday, September 13, 2007; Page A01

He sat absolutely still as members of Congress discussed his credibility and patriotism. His face did not twitch. He did not nod or frown or smile. Not a single muscle moved. He was as impassive as a boot-camp recruit resisting a drill sergeant's provocations.

For Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, navigating the political shoals of Washington this week has been a challenge unlike any he has faced. When he testified before the Senate for his confirmation hearing in January, Petraeus was widely regarded as the quintessential military professional, a credible, independent voice who stood above the political fray.

But when he returned to Capitol Hill this week for marathon hearings and a media blitz, the general labored to retain that image. Partisans sought to portray him either as a politicized officer carrying water for the White House or as the only possible savior of an increasingly unpopular war.

The war in Iraq has diminished the reputations of many of its generals. As Petraeus returns to Baghdad to continue carrying out President Bush's strategy, his image has changed as well. Like it or not, he has become a political player, and more than ever before, the U.S. venture in Iraq has become his own..........



Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/12/AR2007091202679.html?hpid=topnews

[mike_c]

1. Petraeus's career is effectively over....

He is the William Westmoreland of Iraq, now on the treadmill to a legacy of failure.

[redqueen]

2. How has the war diminished the reputations of many generals?

What... they don't get medals of freedom, too?

[badgervan]

3. Nice Try

... but this is, and always has been, bush's war. Even though cheney deserves some ownership, it is The Decider's desk where "the buck stops".